Long County High School’s Tristan Goodro on Wednesday signed on to play baseball for Middle Georgia State College next year.
“I feel great. I’m excited to go to Middle Georgia. It’s not too big and not too small, it’s good fit for me,” he said.
Goodro said he was recruited by MGSC coach Chris Howell and told that he would be playing primarily in the outfield, but that he probably would pitch some. Last year, as a junior for the Blue Tide, Goodro had the lowest earned-run average on the team and also earned honorable-mention status on the All-Region-2-AA Team.
LCHS head coach Tyler Rogers said that he believes Goodro can have a positive impact right away at MGSC.  
“There are a lot of variables that will determine how much playing time he gets as a freshman, but he definitely has the ability to play immediately in the outfield or on the mound,” Rogers said. The coach also commented on Goodro’s contributions to the Blue Tide this year.  
“He is one of our core players. We’ve put a lot of pressure on him this year, but when we’re in a tight spot, we look forward to him stepping up for the team,” Rogers said.
Goodro’s parents were all smiles at the signing ceremony.
“I’m ecstatic. He is living his dream and he picked the perfect school for him. It’s only two hours away, and if you want to play baseball, that’s the place to go. … It’s hard to know that he is going away, but I’m happy that his baseball doesn’t end with high school,” said  his mother, Amy Goodro-Smith.
Goodro’s stepfather, Shawn Smith, said that he deserves the opportunity to play at the next level.
“He’s worked hard, and I’m happy that he is getting to play college ball. A lot of kids never get that opportunity,” Smith said.
MGSC, based in Cochran,  plays in Division I of the National Junior College Athletic Association. According to the NJCAA website, the Knights currently post a 26-8 record. Paul Knight is the team’s head coach.